Learning Disabilies and Undiagnosed Learning Difficulties

A child with a learning disability may have average or above-average intelligence yet s/he can experiences significant difficulty with learning to speak, listen, read, write, spell, reason, recall and organize information. Common specific learning disabilities include auditory and visual processing disorders, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and nonverbal learning disabilities. The most common academic areas affected by learning disabilities are reading and language.

Many famous people have been successful in their careers despite significant learning problems in school. With the right kind of help, children with learning issues can be successful in school and as they go on to choose a career. Working with the school to get the right kind of help for a child with learning issues may not be an easy process.

Guidelines for determining which children qualify to receive help tend to leave some children behind, unfortunately. A child can experience significant difficulty in multiple key academic areas and not “qualify” for help through the school. It may be necessary to be a “squeaky wheel” in order to work with and/or around the “system”. Whether your child has a diagnosed learning disability or undiagnosed learning difficulties, it is helpful to pinpoint key areas of concern in order to advocate for him/her and to find the right kind of help. The following is a list of some of the more common issues that children with diagnosed learning disabilities experience.

• Poor handwriting
• Limited vocabulary
• Difficulty with recall
• Difficulty understanding directions
• Loses his/her place when reading and/or doing math
• Poor memory for printed words
• Significant trouble learning to read
• Reads slowly (as opposed to fluently)
• Difficulty with copying
• Messy writing
• Poor spelling
• Difficulty organizing ideas
• Poor ability to self check and self monitor work
• Difficulty sustaining attention in work or play
• Does not finish tasks
• Difficulty with organizing materials
• Loses things
• Is forgetful
• Avoids writing tasks
• Avoids reading

Because of the way s/he is wired, some children have difficulty with processing visual and auditory information and integrating and storing new information. Children who experience learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities can achieve success in school. The right support is important. It is also helpful for parents to learn as much as they can to understand and advocate for their child.

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